Go and Make Disciples

The Great Commission

7 minute read

The Statement of Faith

We believe that the church is commissioned by Christ to make disciples of all nations—baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. This mission is not optional but essential to our identity as Christ's people. Evangelism, discipleship, and global mission flow from the Great Commission. Every believer is a witness; every church is a sending community; every nation needs the gospel.

What the Bible Says

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
— Matthew 28:18-20

The risen Christ speaks with full authority. Because He has all authority, we can go with confidence. The command is clear: make disciples of all nations—not just converts, but disciples; not just some peoples, but all nations.

The Components

Go: The church is sent. We don't wait for people to come to us; we go to them. This includes both local witness and global mission.

Make disciples: The main verb. Not just decisions but discipleship—ongoing relationship, growth, transformation. Converts who aren't discipled aren't what Jesus commanded.

Baptizing: Public identification with Christ and His people. Baptism marks the beginning of discipleship.

Teaching: Not just initial instruction but comprehensive teaching of "everything I commanded." Discipleship is lifelong learning and obedience.

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
— Acts 1:8

The mission expands geographically: Jerusalem (local), Judea and Samaria (regional), ends of the earth (global). The Spirit empowers what Christ commands.

How It Fits the Full Narrative

God's plan was always global. He promised Abraham: "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). Israel was meant to be a light to the nations. Jesus is that light fulfilled—and His followers extend that light everywhere.

Revelation shows the goal: "a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne" (Revelation 7:9). The Great Commission moves history toward that vision.

Why This Matters

It defines our mission. The church exists for more than ourselves. We gather to scatter; we're blessed to bless. Without mission, the church turns inward and dies.

Every believer is included. Not just missionaries or pastors—every Christian is a witness. Your workplace, neighborhood, and family are your mission field.

Urgency is appropriate. People without Christ face eternal separation from God. The stakes couldn't be higher. How we spend our time, money, and energy should reflect this.

We're not alone. "I am with you always." The One with all authority accompanies us. We don't go in our own strength but in His presence and power.

Defending Against Critics

Objection: "Isn't evangelism intolerant—imposing your beliefs on others?"

Response: Sharing good news isn't imposition; it's invitation. We don't force; we proclaim. If we have the cure for a deadly disease, silence isn't tolerance—it's cruelty. Love compels us to share.

Objection: "What about social justice? Shouldn't the church focus on that?"

Response: Both/and, not either/or. Jesus cared for bodies and souls. The church has always combined proclamation and demonstration. But eternal destiny is the ultimate issue; social justice without the gospel leaves the deepest need unmet.

Going Deeper

Key passages: Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 49:6; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-49; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:13-17; Revelation 7:9-10.

Questions for reflection:

1. Am I actively making disciples, or just attending church?
2. Who in my life needs to hear the gospel from me?
3. How am I supporting global mission—through prayer, giving, or going?